Step into the RetroVerse

The Fundamental Assertion or Premise:

If you’re ever going to step into the retroverse, this is the time for it. I have developed a lot — a whole lot — of what are now “retro games”, meaning that they come from the antiquarian days of doom, diablo and quake. I want to convince a group of gamers and potential gamers, from their teens to their eighties, to play my retro games, which were designed and developed over 30 years ago. We were among the first to create 3D games. So how can I persuade them that it’s for their own good and self-interests to buy and try these games?

Retro games not only bring nostalgia but also offer unique opportunities for storytelling, skill-building, and community connection. Here are some tailored persuasion strategies to get people across generations on board:

1. Focus on the Benefits

Mental Stimulation: Highlight how retro games engage critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategy. For older players, emphasize how this helps keep their minds sharp.
Nostalgia with a Twist: For those who lived through the Doom and Diablo era, talk about the joy of revisiting old classics with fresh eyes. For younger players, emphasize how retro games influenced today’s popular titles.
Accessible Fun: Retro games often have simpler mechanics and lower system requirements, making them easy for anyone to pick up and enjoy without a steep learning curve or a custom-made gaming computer.

2. Bridge the Generational Gap

Create opportunities for inter-generational play. Highlight how these games can be a bonding experience between teens, parents, and even grandparents, who probably played games like these back in the day.
Emphasize timeless values in the games: teamwork, exploration, and creativity.

3. Make It a Movement

Use a tagline like “Rediscover Gaming’s Roots” or “Play Where Legends Began” to create a sense of excitement and exclusivity.
Start a “retro gaming challenge” where players of all ages can compete or cooperate to unlock achievements, fostering a community spirit.

4. Appeal to Self-Interest

Teens: Frame it as an exploration of gaming history or as a way to stand out among their peers by mastering something niche and retro-cool.
20s-30s: Pitch it as a way to unwind with games they may have missed in childhood or to enjoy with friends.
40s-50s: Show how it’s a great way to relive memories and share something meaningful with their kids or grandkids.
60s-80s: Emphasize cognitive health, simplicity, and the joy of rediscovering old passions.

5. Create a Unique Selling Point

Offer updated features like improved graphics, new levels, or quality-of-life improvements while preserving the retro charm.
Add storytelling elements about how these games were made and how they’ve stood the test of time.

6. Host Community Events

Organize retro game nights, tournaments, or workshops where people can learn the ropes together.
Use nostalgia to draw in the older crowd, and pair that with modern tech or social aspects to appeal to younger players.

7. Leverage Social Proof

Share testimonials from people in different age groups who’ve played and enjoyed your games.
Highlight the games’ influence on modern gaming trends, showing how even today’s developers owe a debt to the retro classics.

8. Use Humor and Relatability

Inject humor into your pitch. For instance: “Ever wanted to time-travel without leaving your seat? Welcome to retro gaming!”
Be relatable about the quirks of older games (pixel graphics, quirky AI) but spin them as charming and endearing.

9. Demonstrate the Experience

Create a visually engaging demo or video showing people of all ages having fun with your games.
Use live events or streams to showcase gameplay with commentary on the unique features and benefits.

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In the retro gaming field, “getting excited” can be expressed in ways that tap into the nostalgia, fun, and cultural impact of the era. Here are some approaches that might resonate with our audience: